Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu Congratulate Obaseki over Supreme Court Verdict

Adibe Emeyonu in Benin City

A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s governorship candidate in Edo State at the 2020 governorship election in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki, on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Ize-Iyamu in a letter to the governor said that Friday’s judgment of the apex court had put an end to the series of litigations on the governorship poll that returned Obaseki for second term.

The APC candidate in the letter, asked Obaseki to accept his congratulatory message since all the cases were over. “For the records, Your Excellency, your supporters had instituted 13 different pre-election cases against my deputy and I; all seeking to disqualify us from participating in the election.

“On our part, our party, the APC had only one case against Your Excellency and your party.

“We also deliberately did not go to the Elections Tribunal, not because we did not have issues but because we felt it was better to allow you face the job at hand, more so as our party at the national level had congratulated you.

“We are happy that all these cases have come to an end. Now that it is all over, please accept my congratulations,” he said.

Ize-Iyamu appealed to Obaseki to consider the issues of the 14 constituencies that are presently without representation at the State House of Assembly.

He said though the matter is in court, the governor is in a vantage position to consider an out-of-court settlement of the issue, in the overall interest of the state.

“Having said that, I want to appeal to you to kindly consider the pertinent issues of the 14 constituencies, including the two in your local government – Oredo and the two in your deputy’s local government – Etsako West, that are presently without representation at the Edo State Assembly. Though the matter is in court, you are in a vantage position to consider an out-of-court settlement of the issue, in the overall interest of our state.

“Your Excellency would also do well to intervene in the issue of elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Councilors and Supervisory Councillors, who sometimes ago, were suspended and removed from office. Our appeal is that you consider paying them their entitlements since it is now late for them to return to their offices. This can also be through the out-of-court settlement.

Meanwhile, Oshiomhole has also congratulated Obaseki, saying the victory had laid to rest all matters arising from the last election.

Oshiomhole added that he had always reminded the governor during several meetings to learn to be magnanimous in victory.

Oshiomhole’s letter which was issued by his media aide, Victor Oshioke, reads: “I congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election.

“As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to being brothers of different parents.

“Whatever happened is unfortunate and I believe God has reasons for everything. I have put all behind me and moved on.

“As I have consistently advised, please be magnanimous in victory. You are the Governor of all Edo people regardless of political leanings.”